Maryland Court Clerks Can Begin Issuing Marriage Licenses To Same-Sex Couples
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- In little more than a month, Maryland's same-sex marriage law goes into effect and the state attorney general has news that may make same-sex couples and court clerks happy.
Kai Jackson has more.
The passage of Question 6 in November by voters allowing same-sex marriage in Maryland made history. Now it is turning into reality, a realization that the state could see a flood of couples eager to marry.
"There's been really an onslaught of people interested in getting these licenses," said Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler.
Anticipating that court clerks could be swamped with paperwork, Gansler wrote a recent legal opinion stating same-sex couples in Maryland can get marriage licenses starting Dec. 6, as long as they don't take effect until Jan. 1, 2013.
"These licenses are historically the same as historically have been granted. The only difference is these licenses have to be in effect Jan. 1, 2013, consistent with the law," Gansler explained.
All rights married opposite-sex couples have had in Maryland will now apply to married same-sex couples. They include parental rights, tax filings and estate issues.
"This is about fairness. This about equality for us and for our children," said Gita Deane, a Baltimore resident.
Same-sex couples will also need to have a marriage ceremony performed. Couples who have had civil unions in other states can get married in Maryland.
Out-of-state same-sex marriages are also recognized in Maryland, but Gansler says you cannot get remarried in the state until the first marriage is dissolved.
